06/11/2026
Running is an awesome form of exercise! It is one of the simplest ways to improve cardiovascular health and your fitness level, provided that you run safely. Running safely is more than just doing a little stretch before you put on your shoes and head out the door, though. You need to pay attention to your body and your specific needs when you begin a running routine. Here are some tips and things to keep in mind if you are starting to run!
- Listen to your body! Feeling some muscle soreness is normal during runs, but some aches and pains aren't, especially if the pain is around a joint or is particularly sharp. Don't push through those kinds of pains, as you might get injured.
- Start slow! No one wants to hear this one, really. They want to get better right away, running faster and farther every time they go out the house. However, pushing yourself to your limits should not be an every run thing. Plenty of successful professional runners have days where they take things slow, and focus more on their form and their breathing rather than their pace.
- Don't skip leg day! Strength training is one of the best ways to improve as a runner, but it often gets overlooked. Strengthening your quads, calves, hamstrings, and glutes will make your legs stronger and more able to generate the force needed to run. Additionally, exercising your core and hips will help keep your body stable while running, helping you avoid injury and improve your form.
And, maybe the most important tip of all: be patient! Running isn't about getting results quickly or shattering your personal best every other day. It is a long process with lots of ups and downs, so make you are patient with yourself.